Purchasing a used car can help save you save money while still having a reliable mode of transportation. With proper maintenance and care, even high-mileage vehicles can last well past 150,000 or more miles. SUVs, in particular, are great vehicles that can offer owners an array of functionality, entertainment and safety features. And, for most, finding an affordable luxury SUV can help you secure high-end features and extra comforts. In particular, luxury SUV makers like Audi, BMW and Lexus all offer various vehicles that can come with options such as high-tech infotainment systems, third row rear seating, blind spot warnings, and even adaptive cruise control.

Infiniti, another luxury car brand, is owned by Nissan Motor Company and is an often popular vehicle choice for prospective used-car buyers due to their brand recognition and typically low price. However, when you are shopping around for an Infiniti SUV, there is one model that you should try to avoid despite its low price ― the 2019 Infiniti QX80.

About The 2019 Infiniti QX80

At first glance, the 2019 Infiniti QX80 seems like the perfect vehicle for large families or business excursions. This luxury full-size SUV has seating for eight and a powerful V8 engine that offers strong acceleration while providing a high tow rating. The handling and braking are also impressive for a large SUV, but many features don’t match up with the competition.

When looking at the vehicle’s interior, the technology and design seem to be a few years behind compared to other full-size luxury SUVs in its class, which can be disappointing as Infiniti is usually at the front of the pack with industry trends. While the V8 engine is also a fun aspect for owners, it will provide poorer fuel economy compared to its competition, as you can expect to only get up to 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. If the previous owner also purchased the optional 22″ wheels, you can most likely expect a rougher ride due to the larger wheel size and overall smaller tires.

2019 Infiniti QX80 NHTSA Safety Recalls

As with all vehicles, safety and available safety features are essential aspects for any prospective car buyer. For the 2019 Infiniti QX80, there have been recorded problems. One recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also affected several Nissan vehicles within the 2018-2019 year models. According to the NHTSA, the recall was due to an issue with the backup camera. Specifically, the recall reads, “The backup camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rearview image is no longer visible, and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, Rear Visibility.”

While you can easily fix this issue with a quick trip to the dealership for a software update, you will need to have a thorough understanding of the vehicle’s maintenance history to ensure the update has already been made. If not, you will need to schedule to have this update taken care of.

2019 Infiniti QX80 Consumer Complaints

Consumer complaints also yield more results regarding the various issues that the 2019 Infiniti QX80 SUV has.

Electrical System

One of the most prevalent complaints about the 2019 Infiniti QX80 found on the NHTSA website is an electrical issue that seems to drain the battery. Most of the owners who filed the complaint stated that they were told that there was a recall, but we did not see one in the NHTSA database.

The complaints also show the severity of this issue, as many note that the problem can be intermittent and can come without warning. For those living in cooler or warmer climates, this can also be potentially dangerous as faulty electrical components can affect such systems as your vehicle’s heating or air conditioning.

Forward Emergency Braking System

One QX90 owner in Florida states on the NHTSA website that the forward emergency braking system continuously engages the brakes without warning or an obstruction. A quick search on Google shows that this may not be just an Infiniti or a QX80 problem, but a problem with specific Nissans models in general. There are pages of reports and blog posts on Nissan’s AEB system malfunctioning. Despite the potential for serious issues or injuries due to this malfunction, there is not a recall that we have seen for this issue, so it is something that you will want to have the dealership or a trusted repair facility/mechanic look over before making a purchase.

Engine Problems

Apart from the lower-than-average gas mileage that the QX80’s V8 engine has, other engine problems have been reported. The most discussed issue has to do with a rattling noise from the vehicle’s engine bay, as noted in service bulletins put out from Infinity.

This rattling has been identified to come from a heat shield above the exhaust front tube. The fix is straightforward, but as it is not deemed a safety hazard and not a part of any recall, this fix will not be covered by Infinity. A few reviews on sites like Edmonds.com also refer to engine issues in the QX80, but they seem to be slightly sporadic and not focused on one specific component or aspect.

Vehicle Speed Control Problems

Infiniti owners complain about the vehicle dropping gears and over-revving in a few reviews, primarily when the vehicle is traveling up an incline at highway speeds while in cruise control. Many have said that they have had the issue reviewed by their local dealership, only to be told that this is normal for these vehicles and that no further diagnosis will be performed. While this isn’t exactly a safety issue, it is sure to scare the vehicle owner if they are not aware of this issue.

Protect Your Vehicle with Endurance

When searching for a new or a used car, understanding any potential issues and safety recalls is vital in protecting not only yourself but your wallet from any potentially costly repairs not covered by your insurance provider. With the help of any one of Endurance’s protection plans, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle’s most vital components are covered, including those of luxury vehicles from automakers like Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover and more, with the Highline protection plan.

You can even upgrade today to any one of the Advantage protection levels and receive the most comprehensive vehicle coverage available and up to $3,500 in regular maintenance services. Essential tasks such as three oil and filter changes, engine diagnostic checks, tire rotations and alignment checks are all covered at no cost to you, helping you have peace of mind for the road ahead. Plus, each newly purchased protection plan also comes with a free year’s worth of Endurance Elite Benefits for just a $29 activation fee. That means you can enjoy a full year of extra perks and savings, including key fob replacements, collision discounts, total loss coverage and up to two tire repairs or replacements. You’ll even automatically have the help of 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursements regardless of the Endurance plan you choose.

Request a free, no-obligation quote or call our award-winning customer care team directly at (800) 253-8203 for more information about any of our auto protection plans. You can also find other helpful and informative articles on topics such as maintenance tips, how-to’s, FAQs, and more by visiting the Endurance blog.